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Bradford Policeman Cleared Of Assault

A Bradford police officer described as hard-working and committed has been cleared of assaulting a drink-driver with his patrol car.

41 year old Pc Steven Mullaney was accused of causing actual bodily harm after using his Vauxhall Vectra to nudge Anthony Shaw three times as he tried to run from police.

The jury at Sheffield Crown Court took less an hour to find him not guilty of dangerous driving, assault and perverting the course of justice.

The officer said he now wanted to put the case behind him and get on with his job protecting the public.

Pc Mullaney's patrol car bumped into Mr Shaw three times as he tried to run away from the officer and his colleague after they stopped his vehicle in Bradford in the early hours of March 18 last year.

The police car was estimated to be travelling at between nine and 12mph at the time.

Pc Mullaney, who has been an officer for 18 years, said he had done ``no more than was necessary'' to help arrest Mr Shaw and prevent him committing further offences.

After his arrest, Mr Shaw, 37, was found to be a disqualified driver who was more than twice the legal drink-drive limit and had no insurance. He was taken to hospital with a number of abrasions and injuries, including a sprained ankle.

Speaking after the verdict, Ned Liddemore, of West Yorkshire Police Federation, said justice had prevailed.

Mr Liddemore said: ``We are delighted at the result today. Pc Mullaney's life has been on hold for the past 12 months while this matter has been ongoing.''